{"id":64129,"date":"2024-08-14T12:27:58","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T17:27:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/universomola.com\/?p=64129"},"modified":"2024-08-14T12:27:58","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T17:27:58","slug":"industria-del-calzado-latinoamericano-un-sector-en-expansion-con-dependencia-asiatica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/universomola.com\/en\/industria-del-calzado-latinoamericano-un-sector-en-expansion-con-dependencia-asiatica\/","title":{"rendered":"Latin American Footwear Industry: An Expanding Sector with Asian Dependency"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Nicole Alejandra Benavides \/ Translated by Samai P\u00e1ez\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Latin America has achieved a prominent place in the global footwear industry, positioning itself as the second largest producing region in the world outside Asia. In 2023, the region produced more than <\/span>1.6 billion pairs of shoes<\/b>, which represents <\/span>7% of global production<\/b>. This achievement is due to the growing summary between industries of the sector in the region, an issue that was central to the recent Latin American Footwear Forum, held in Colombia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Brazil is the main producer in the region, generating about <\/span>900 million pairs per year<\/b>, which places it as the fourth largest producer in the world after China, India and Vietnam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes the <\/span>Brazilian industry special is that it has more than 50 years of experience in exports and has distinctive characteristics such as:\u00a0access to quality raw materials, modern production technology, specialized labor, among others.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, the Brazilian industry has the <\/span>Origem Sustent\u00e1vel program.<\/span><\/i><\/a> Presented by the project director of Abical\u00e7ados, Cristian <\/span>Schlindwein, this program has the only ESG and sustainability certification in the world aimed at companies in the footwear chain. Currently, around 100 companies in the region have this certification.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"We have a sustainable sector, with all the conditions to be an international benchmark in the production of ecologically correct footwear produced respecting human rights. All this, in addition to its environmental and social relevance, can improve competitiveness, especially against Asian footwear.\" <\/span><\/i>Schlindwein mentioned to the Pinker Moda portal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mexico, on the other hand, contributes significantly with more than <\/span>245 million pairs<\/b> per year. However, despite its significant production, the Aztec footwear industry is going through a remarkable crisis with the <\/span>closure of more than 150 manufacturing companies <\/b>so far in 2024, according to data from the Chamber of the Footwear Industry of the State of Guanajuato (CICEG for its acronym in spanish). This situation has caused the loss of approximately 10.000 direct jobs and has generated a 30% drop in sales of national footwear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, more than 40% of what is consumed in Mexico is imported, said the president of the National Chamber of the Footwear Industry of Mexico (CANAICAL for its acronym in spanish), Mauricio Battaglia, during the celebration of the last edition of the Latin American Footwear Forum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This shows how the footwear market in Latin America continues to depend heavily on imports, especially from Asia. In 2023, footwear imports reached <\/span>7 billion dollars<\/b>, and the region recorded a trade deficit of <\/span>3.6%<\/b>%. Imports from Asia represent <\/span>85% of the total<\/b>, underlining the dependence of the Latin American bloc on foreign products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Low prices and accelerated production <\/b>are the determining factors in the face of competition with the Asian giant. Nonetheless, there is considerable room for <\/span>growth within the regio<\/b>region. With the international economic recovery, mainly driven by the United States, the main destination for Latin American footwear, exports are expected <\/span>to improve from the second half of the year<\/b> This trend could help reduce dependence on Asian imports, further strengthening the local industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Latin America's success in the footwear industry is not only based on production volume, but also on <\/span>embracing sustainable practices<\/b> In response to the growing demand from conscious consumers, many manufacturers in the region have integrated <\/span>recycled materials and greener production processes.<\/b> This approach not only improves the reputation of Latin American brands, but also opens up new opportunities in international markets where <\/span>sustainability is a key value.<\/b>
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